He attended Bowdoin College, and served in the United States Army.

He later earned a master's degree in English from the University of Iowa.

In 1986, Small ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.

From 1987 to 2000, Small practiced law and worked as a lobbyist representing a variety of clients.

[3] He died, aged 81, on October 3, 2015, in Iowa City of kidney failure.